The Wine Company

Wine

Cline Mourvedre Rose 2020

Widely held to be the grape variety first planted by Noah after the flood, Rkatsiteli is arguably the oldest grape variety in all of Georgia. During archaeological digs have even found Rkatsiteli seeds at the bottom of clay vessels dated to 3,000 BC. To this day, those in Georgia ferment their white grapes on their skins in clay qvevi and the high acid and deeply ripened flavors of Rkatsiteli complement this method nicely. Organically farmed in a gravelly pocket of the Kakheti region in eastern Georgia, this comes in at harvest both ripe and energetic. An elegant “orange” wine that combines dynamic texture and rich savor like no other, Rkatsiteli Qvevri is made using the traditional, local method in which large clay amphorae, buried up their heads are filled with the Rkatsiteli grapes. Here they ferment by ambient yeasts, are punched downs 24 times a day initially, see complete malolactic fermentation, and are then aged for 4 to 5 months on their skins. Without Ivan Nareklishvili’s attentive eye, this could fall victim to so many faults commonly found across the vinelands of Georgia but these are kept true to the variety and the method. The result is a beguiling wine white in color and for its floral notes and quince fruit but clearly an “orange” wine for its fragrance and flavors unique to a wine with extended skin contact: honeycomb, wildflowers, prairie grass, dried apricots and roasted walnuts all combine into a savory, dry wine. For these, this Rkatsiteli is unique in its abilities to stand up to richer roasts -both flavorsome cuts and nutty squash. An easy match for autumnal and winter fare, this is also a surprising delight with cold zaru soba, pot stickers, and the herbal lamb of Greece.

Food Pairings

Comfort foods. Stews, Cassoulet, roasted chicken, hot dish, pot roast.

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